July 24, 2025, 4:11 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Many dog owners wish for a closer relationship with their four-legged friends. A proven method to strengthen the bond with your dog is engaging in activities together. According to dog trainer Katharina Marioth, there are countless ways to do this—from classic agility to tracking sports and creative challenges like dog dancing.
The range of offerings is now almost overwhelming, emphasizes the dog trainer in a conversation with PETBOOK. Among the classics is agility, where humans and dogs complete an obstacle course together. Other popular disciplines include obedience—a sport focused on precision and accuracy—and rally obedience, which combines precision with speed and intense communication between owner and dog.
Additionally, Marioth mentions tracking sports like mantrailing, obstacle races in nature, sled dog sports, and licensed course forms with protected names. Those interested in creative challenges can even try dog dancing—a choreographed sequence of tricks set to music. In all these sports, the focus is on doing things together, which can significantly strengthen the bond with your dog.
Health Is the Foundation of Every Activity
Before starting, the expert strongly advises having the dog’s health professionally checked. A gait analysis and muscle examination are essential, especially for young or not fully grown dogs. In sports with many fast movements, stops, or jumps—such as agility or sled dog sports—the risk of injury can otherwise increase.
Every Dog Is Unique–and That’s a Good Thing
When asked if every dog is suitable for every sport, Marioth explains that while any breed can participate, it always depends on individual physical conditions and preferences. For example, it’s possible to do agility with a large, heavier dog—as long as it’s done at an adjusted pace and without pressure to perform. The most important rule is: “Lower your own ambitions.” The dog’s joy and well-being must always come first.
Not every dog automatically enjoys every discipline, Marioth emphasizes. If an animal shows little interest in tracking work or doesn’t enjoy jumping exercises, it’s the human’s task to find something else that brings joy to both. This point is crucial for strengthening the bond with your dog: through genuine partnership, not pressure to perform.
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Dog Dancing as a Special Bond Enhancer
A particularly memorable example of human-dog cooperation is dog dancing. According to Marioth, this involves a creative sequence of tricks that are first worked out individually and later combined into a choreography—accompanied by music. Even though the music is less important for the dog, interaction with the human plays a central role.
“It’s about concentration and working together,” says Marioth. Breeds like Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, or Malinois are often seen, as they naturally seek close cooperation with humans. But other dogs can also enjoy this sport—provided they are gently introduced and not overwhelmed.
Conclusion: Shared Time Should Primarily Be Fun
In the end, Marioth is certain: Whether it’s agility, sled dog sports, or dog dancing, the time spent with your dog should primarily be fun. The dog’s physical suitability should be considered, but it’s equally important not to force them into a mold. “If we’re willing to engage with our dog, we can grow together in almost any activity,” she summarizes.
About the Expert
Katharina Marioth is the founder of the Stadthundetraining brand and the KEML principle. She is an IHK- and government-certified dog trainer and behavioral assessor for dangerous dogs in Berlin. In her daily business, she works closely with veterinarians, scientists, and other specialists on dog-related topics. With her knowledge and skills, she secured the title of Dog Trainer of the Year 2023 in the Sat.1 show “The Dog Trainer Champion.”